Saturday should have seen Biggar United extend their Division C lead to nine points, with United away to St Boswells and Newtown without a game.

However, their lead was reduced to just three points as Biggar’s game was called off and Newtown won 3-0 against Melrose in a rearranged match.

The Villagers should have scored more, hitting the woodwork six times, but the win means they will pull level with Biggar if they win their game in hand.

Newtown player/manager Neil Macvicar said: “The aim is to beat Biggar when we play them, rather than look at overtaking them on goal difference.

“We were disappointing today. We should have taken more of our chances but the main thing is to win the game.

“Newtown is just returning to the league after a season out, so the aim is to get ourselves into Division B, whether that is as champions or second place.

“We are getting some good numbers at training and have already won the Collie Cup, so its been a good start to our return.”

Newtown had beaten Melrose 7-1 earlier in season and it appeared it would be a similar scoreline when Matty Scott headed in Andrew Crawford’s corner after six minutes at Netherdale 3G Arena in a rearranged game.

But Newtown spurned a series of chances, while Melrose defended with plenty courage.

When they did get through Melrose’s backline, goalkeeper Louis Steel was in fine form. He saved from Matty Scott twice before also denying Darren Blacklock.

However, Steel needed help from his woodwork in the second period to keep the score respectable.

Gareth Armstrong hit the bar with a rising shot in the 52nd minute, as did Matty Scott seven minutes later, only to react quickest to force the rebound over the line.

Melrose had a rare chance soon after, but Newtown goalkeeper Glen Murray managed to clear the ball from his goal ahead of Michael Mcaulay.

Newtown continued to press and both Macvicar and Armstrong struck the bar, before David Richardson somehow headed against the crossbar from just six yards out.

The frustration of Newtown was building, with Stephen Swanston and Matty Scott booked for dissent.

But their side finally got the third in the final minute when the impressive Matty Scott delivered a teasing cross which Melrose full back Gavin McQuarrie headed into his own net.

Newtown: G. Murray, P. Scott, D. Richardson, S. Makepeace, M. Mathison, S. Swanston (S. Deacon 84), N. Macvicar, D. Blacklock, A. Crawford, G. Armstrong (L. Blacklock 76), M. Scott.

Melrose: L. Steel, G. McQuarrie, F. McDougall, J. Bertram (R. Eardley 39), C. Turnbull, J. Chambers, M. Mcaulay (B. Smith 81), P. Easton, S. Kerr, S. Rodger (M. Cameron 67), K. Hume.

Local SNP MP Calum Kerr is urging Borderers to make sure they’re getting the help and advice they need on staying warm and energy bills.

He is suggesting people get in touch with their energy suppliers to check their eligibility for support.

The Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP said this week: “It’s really important to be prepared for winter and I want everyone to understand the help which is available to them.

“Being energy efficient and keeping bills under control is really important, and the steps you can take to do this are really very simple.”

A range of schemes are available including the Warm Home Discount, which offers vulnerable customers a one-off reduction this winter of £140 off their energy bills.

Other potential help includes free or subsidised insulation and grants from the Scottish Gas Energy Trust.

Energy users can also take a number of steps to make sure their home stays warm and safe include sealing doors and windows properly, checking their boiler, making sure their water tank and pipes are sufficiently insulated and having a carbon monoxide alarm fitted.

Calum added: “It’s certainly worth checking to see if you qualify for support. Keeping warm over winter is absolutely vital and constituents may be entitled to extra help from the government and their energy supplier if they meet certain criteria.”

Christine McGourty, Managing Director of Scottish Gas, commented: “Winter can be a challenging time for households and many people will be concerned about their energy bill. There is help available and we urge customers to get in touch to find out what advice and support is on offer.”

HAWICK WAVERLEY5

HAWICK LEGION4

Following a recent ding dong battle in the Waddell Cup which saw Hawick Legion emerge victors in extra time, this Border Amateur A division clash had all the makings of being another thriller.

Thanks to a last gasp dramatic goal it was Waverley who gained the bragging rights this time around but the result could well have went either way.

Waverley sailed into the lead with just four minutes gone when defender Chris Dunne steered the ball into the net with his head on meeting a lay off following a long Scott Craig throw in.

Six minutes later Waverley went further ahead when Jamie Richardson swung a free kick into the goalmouth which the Legion rear guard failed to clear and the ball broke to Craig who shot home.

Legion were looking shell shocked at this stage and in the 18th minute fell further behind when a quicksilver passing movement involving Luke Cooper and Jordan Yardley ended in the latter latching on to a return pass to score.

Waverley were looking the likelier side by far but Legion then showed their mettle when Chay Caldwell latched onto a Simon Philbin free kick and placed a shot out of the reach of Waverley keeper Kerr Brown.

Waverley added to their tally in the 36th minute. Legion were caught cold at the back by a long Brown clearance and Yardley took full advantage.

Just on half time Jamie Richardson almost got his name on the Waverley score sheet in hitting the bar with a thundering free kick.

Following the changeover Legion began to make their mark in the game and their efforts eventually paid off when Sean Owens reduced the leeway in shooting home.

Spurred on by this Legion duly pulled a further goal back.

Caldwell found Philbin with a cross and the latter drilled the ball into the net.

Legion’s dramatic revival continued with four minutes of the game to go. Scott Duncan notching an equaliser in scoring direct from a corner kick.

The drama however was not quite over though, for seconds from time yet another goal arrived.

Davis Hope put victory Waverley’s way by popping up at the back post to stick a shot into the net from a long Craig throw in.

Ward 4 at the Borders General Hospital has re-opened following recent cases of confirmed Norovirus.

One bay in Ward 4 remains closed as a precautionary measure. The situation continues to be managed by NHS Borders Infection Prevention and Control Team with support from frontline colleagues.

Evelyn Rodger, Director of Nursing, Midwifery and Acute Services said: “Although the Borders General Hospital and our Community Hospitals currently have no ward closures this can change very quickly.

“In order to safeguard vulnerable patients and enable us to limit the spread of this highly infectious virus, we continue to ask members of the public to carefully consider their visits to the hospital, and that anyone who has experienced diahorrea and vomiting symptoms in the past 48 hours does not visit the hospital.

“I would like to thank the public for responding to the requests that we have made in relation to the recent outbreak over the past week.”

Dr Ed James, Consultant Microbiologist for NHS Borders said: “Norovirus is one of the most common causes of diarrhoea and vomiting illness. It is very infectious and spreads quickly between people.

“This is why outbreaks happen in hospitals where a number of people are sharing facilities. However it doesn’t just occur in hospitals, and can start abruptly and spread quickly through communities. The most effective way you can help to reduce spread is by hand washing after using the toilet and before preparing food.

“It is vital to protect yourselves and your loved ones from catching this unpleasant virus. In hospitals. patients, visitors and staff can help minimise the spread by complying with instructions given by staff and paying attention to the signs at the entrances to the hospital and wards.”

For further updates please visit www.nhsborders.scot.nhs.uk

A Borders teacher says that she is “gobsmacked” after her first book became a massive bestseller in China.

Claire McFall’s young adult novel, Ferryman, was already considered a success by its author, after it won a Scottish Children’s Book Award and was shortlisted for the Grampian Children’s Book Awards.

It was also long-listed for the Branford Boase Award and the UKLA (UK Literary Association) Book Awards, and nominated for the Carnegie Medal.

But nothing prepared Claire for what happened when the book was published in China in June this year.

Released in June 2015 in China by Baihuazhou Literature and Art Press, the book features in the Fiction Bestseller lists of Amazon China, as well as Dang Dang and Jingdong – the two largest online book retailers - among others.

After achieving a gargantuan 100,000 sales within its first four months of release, the book went on to spend three out of the four weeks in October in the country’s Fiction Top 10 list .

The novel follows the story of Dylan, a Glasgow teenager, as she survives an epic journey through the afterlife.

Claire wrote Ferryman while employed as a teacher at Lesmahagow High School – the school she had attended as a pupil.

She now teaches at Peebles High School in the Scottish Borders, and has continued to write in her spare time while she teaches.

She said that while she had always enjoyed books and writing as a youngster, as an adult, a moment of envy sparked the desire t be published.

“My brother-in-law published a book,” she says, “and I thought - well, why don’t I have a go at that? So I did.”

Claire is working on a sequel to Ferryman, and says that she has been gaining an insight into the tastes of her Chinese fans through the social media site Webo (Twitter being restricted in the country).

“Quite a few of my readers have got in touch with me and told me what they liked about the book,” she said, “and it’s interesting that Chinese readers seem to enjoy different aspects of the story compared to Scottish kids.

“I can’t believe how successful Ferryman has been in China.

“It’s incredible to think that something I wrote in my tiny flat in Peebles is being read and enjoyed by people on the other side of the world!

“The reviews from China have been overwhelmingly positive, it seems to have really tapped into an aspect of their culture.

“That’s a little bit bizarre, because it’s a very Scottish story, i thought.”

Claire went on to say that she was now working on a sequel to Ferryman, although she laughed: “I’m not trying to write specifically for my new Chinese readership -although maybe I should!”

She also says that some of her pupils - she teaches teenagers English - have read the book, and let her know what they think.

Claire’s latest novel, Black Cairn Point, was released in August 2015. It is a paranormal thriller set in southern Scotland.

A group of friends go on a camping trip that goes disastrously wrong and only one survives to tell the tale… but will anyone believe her?

A Kelso teenager has became the second Borders hockey player in the space of a year to have been selected for a Great Britain squad.

Claire Hill is one of only two Scots to be selected (Millie Brown from Clydesdale Western being the other) for the 18-strong GB Under 21 outfit who will travel to Philadelphia early in the new year for a series of fixtures against their USA counterparts.

The 19-year-old, who studies and plays at Edinburgh University, took part in a seven day trial at Lillieshall before making the cut from the original group of 22.

As well as playing for Kelso High School Hill was part of the Borders hockey Performance programme ran by former international player Janet Jack. She is on the Borders Athlete Support Programme and also played for the South of Scotland squad at Under 16 and Under 18 level.

“This is another fantastic success story for Borders hockey and a much deserved one for Claire,” said Jack.

Hill will travel out to America with the squad on January 4 and during the 10 day trip will play against the national Under 21 team five times.

Matches will be played in a sports complex called Spookynook in a heated dome as temperatures could be around 0 to -20 degrees.

Hill is following in the footsteps of Selkirk’s Sarah Robertson who is currently part of the GB Senior squad.

KELSO LADIES III3

GRANGE IV1

After a busy morning playing school fixtures the young Kelso team converged on the Edinburgh Academy pitches to combine their talents against a very experienced Grange side.

What the Tweedsiders lacked in adult league play they covered well in skills, determination and fitness. Too quiet to start with Kelso struggled away to get the ball into the net despite having the main pressure. Thankfully midway through Rachel Burgher, who had an excellent game, scored the first goal.

After a half time team talk from coaches Isla Burgher and Lynn Young Kelso began to gel. The improved communication paid off and a further goal coming from Rosie Brown (Coldstream) early in the 2nd half settled the side even more.

Grange broke through to sneak in a strong strike and bring them within a point but this is where the young side really showed their mettle creating an opportunity for Emma Mack to score from a corner strike.

Notable performances came from Jodie Osborne, Kirsty Morris, Skye Chatburn but this was very much a team effort as well as a much deserved win for this young squad who are improving with every game. Next up - Ross High at Earlston High School on Saturday.

EDINBURGH UNI IX0

FJORDHUS REIVERS IV0

A four o’clock pass back meant cold and dark conditions for the young Fjordhus Reivers IV who travelled to Peffermill on Saturday.

The university side made a positive start however the Reivers team defended strongly and took possession. The Borders side were able to link well and attack the home sides circle on numerous occasions. However, the strong Edinburgh defence and a lack of clinical finishing in the circle denied any goals.

On occasion the city side staged a fast attack. Despite their fast breaks however the home side were halted by the Borders defence with great saves and decision making from goal keeper Hazel Kevan.

The second half played out much the same, but now with the unwanted addition of the rain. The Borders team maintained great possession and sustained pressure in the Edinburgh circle. Countless attacks again were formed, with the Reivers players and spectators becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of goals from all of their efforts.

Despite the Borders side working well as a team and achieving many shots at goal the home keeper made super saves which allowed their team to maintain a clean sheet. The final whistle was blown with no goals scored.

Fjordhus Reivers II7

Linlithgow Ladies0

In this re-arranged match at Tweedbank the home side produced a clinical performance to remain unbeaten in the East of Scotland Premier league.

It didn’t take long for a pattern to take shape with the home side dominating and creating chances and the visitors only managing the occasional counter attack.

Home supporters didn’t have to wait too long either as two goals were scored in the first quarter, both from the stick of Captain Ashley Robson. The first following a strong run from left-midfield Laura McLean and the second a snapshot in the circle.

Fjordhus then produced two goals of real quality to reach the break in complete control. Both featured in-form McLean beating defenders and picking out the correct pass to allow first Gemma Willins and then Sarah Mathers to slot the ball into the net. Half-time: 4-0.

After the break it took a while for Reivers to get back into their stride. Linlithgow set up a more defensive system to try and counter the free-flowing home attacks. Fjordhus, however, kept going and with some penetrating balls from defence Emma Grieve frequently finding space down the right. Eventually, an excellent reverse stick pick up and pass by Elena Lunn found Sara Robson in space in the circle and her composed finished added to the score. Shortly afterwards another Sara Robson shot was deflected into the goal off a defender. There was still time for sister, Ashley Robson, to win the family scoring duel and complete her hat-trick when neat skills close to the keeper produced Reivers final goal.

Linlithgow never gave up and perhaps with the game won and legs tiring, with this being the second game of the weekend, the home team switched off for a moment at the back allowing a long ball through, scampering defence stopped the immediate danger but the visitors won a short corner which they executed successful with an impressive straight strike.

The previous day Reivers II had travelled up to a cold Dunfermline on Saturday but were warmed by a 5-1 win against Dunfermline Carnegie, the only side to beat them last season.

An excellent all round team performance against a very tough opposition ensured that the second string ladies kept up their winning run. Full report on this game, and more hockey on page 72.

One man was injured after two lorries were involved in a road accident on a Berwickshire road on Monday, November 16.

The accident occurred on the A1107 between Coldingham and Cockburnspath. Police were called to the incident two miles north of Grantshouse at around 2.30pm and the road was blocked for an hour. A 41-year-old man was taken to Borders General Hospital with minor injuries.

HAWICK LINDEN 17

DUNBAR 20

After their difficulties of the past few weeks the Linden were a team transformed on Saturday and put in their best performance of the season.

On possession and field position they probably deserved their first win of the campaign but it was not to be as a lack of composure resulted in too many chances slipping away.

Shaun Fairbairn made a superb early break but alas his scoring pass was adjudged forward and, from looking certain to take the lead, the Royal Blues went behind after five minutes when Dunbar’s John Peebles touched down.

Worse was to follow, an interception by the visitors in their own 22 allowed field position to be gained and a nice inside ball put Sandy Thomson under the posts. Ross Charlton converted and the home team and their supporters were left wondering how their side was 12-0 down.

They finally got themselves on the scoreboard after 17 minutes when, from a tap penalty, Fairbairn managed to twist in the tackle to touch the ball down. Peter Drysdale then burst through a gap to score at the posts but, such is their luck this season, the referee had whistled a fraction beforehand to give a penalty.

A score wasn’t delayed for long though. Linden opted for a scrum from the penalty and, following a good passage of play, John Frew put Rory Graham over in the corner and the hosts went into the break 12-10 down.

Early in the second period Dunbar stretched their lead when Peebles crossed in the corner for his second try of the game.

Again Linden responded and following a number of thrusts Kevin Brown forced his way over at the posts with Kieran Murphy’s conversion tieing the scores.

On 67 minutes the Linden infringed at the breakdown and Charlton stepped up to calmly slot the winning penalty.

Before the game a minutes silence was observed for Linden legend Ronnie Nichol, surely the best uncapped player to ever play for the club.

ROSS HIGH 23

LANGHOLM 14

Langholm appeared a bit rusty after several weeks without any action due to both the Rugby World Cup and a gap in the East League Two fixtures.

In a match where there was little to choose between the sides the Milntown men were a bit unfortunate to not only suffer defeat but not even getting a losing bonus point.

Langholm were on the receiving end of numerous penalties against them, especially in the second half, which in the end proved costly and the Ross High win moves them up to second in the table.

Langholm played down the gradient in the first half and in the conditions of a strong wind blowing across the pitch they possibly tried to play too much handling rugby, when it might have been better to kick for position to move the big home forwards about more.

Ross High opened the scoring with a converted try from McCall and increased their lead when Hood kicked a penalty.

Niall Cubbon missed three difficult penalty efforts for Langholm, but the gusty wind did not help matters.

Langholm captain Steven Nicol was back in action after injury and went over for a try which Martin Chisholm converted to narrow the gap to 10-7.

Evans scored a converted try for Ross High before half time.

Early in the second half good work by the Langholm pack resulted in a try from Jaimie Ashton-Smith which Chisholm converted to make it 17-14.

The only points of the second half came from two penalties by Ross High which wrapped things up.

•Langholm Academy U16s got of to a great start in the D&G Conference League running out 49-0 winners against Annan Academy. With Annan turning up with 12 players, Langholm Academy’s squad of 25 players were able to help out by giving Annan players to make them up to XV, and in doing so enabling more boys some game time.

“This isn’t the time for grandstanding – to fail these people is not an option.”

So said Councillor John Greenwell, Scottish Borders Council’s equalities and diversities champion, urging colleagues to support arrangements allowing 10 families of Syrian refugees to be resettled in the region over the next four years.

The council agreed last week to participate in the UK-wide Syrian Vulnerable Person Scheme for refugees in camps near their country.

Councillor Frances Renton, executive member for social work, commended the scheme which prioritises women and children at risk, those in need of care and the survivors of violence.

“Unlike some other local authorities in Scotland, this council has no experience of re-settling refugees so I am proud of the work which our officers, working with other agencies, have achieved in a short time,” she said.

And she added offers of help and assistance from the Borders public had been “gratefully received”.

Councillors heard resettlement cases would be screened in the camps by the Home Office with the right to reject “on security, war crimes or other grounds”.

A report indicated the first year costs of resettlement for all the families coming to the Borders will be met by the Home Office.

It is anticipated SBC will receive £8,520 for each refugee to cover housing, cultural integration and the running of the scheme.

In addition, £4,500 will be allocated for each child aged 5-18 and £2,250 for each child aged 3-4 to cover education costs, with an extra £1,000 for each child with special educational needs.

The package assumes £2,200 per refugee for first year medical care and £12,700 in “DWP benefits” for one adult per family.

You would expect that scoring 28 points away to the league leaders would bring some reward but it was not to be for Kelso at Myreside on Saturday.

An early penalty by David Blair was quickly negated by the same by Andrew Skeen.

Blair slotted another penalty before the hosts ran in a try in the corner by Scott McKean. A rolling maul from a line out gave Kelso the territorial advantage and a chip to the corner by Skeen was gathered by Rocky Johnstone. Recycled ball allowed Skeen to put in a deft chip to the left hand corner for Lewis Mallin to grab the ball and dive over. The conversion was not successful but Kelso had closed the gap.

This success was soon followed by a Stef Carnegie try after a pick up from a retreating scrum by Conway Pretorius. This time Skeen added the extra points.

Just on half time, however, they let their guard slip and after a run by Mark Bertram was stopped by Johnstone, replacement Callum Harvey was on hand to score. The kick by Blair took Watsonians three points clear at the break.

The home side scored immediately after the break with a runaway try by Matt Coles with a new kicker, Andrew Chalmers, adding the extras. He was successful with a penalty straight after that.

Skeen kept Kelso in touch with a couple of penalties.

Again, Kelso were caught sleeping and Bertram added to the home score with an unconverted try but Kelso were not out of it yet and, after a strong run to the corner by Greg Ponton, Kelso stole a line out ball and Stef Carnegie went over for his second try. Skeen added the conversion and the gap was back to five but as the game approached the end, Watsonians added another try by the elusive Cullen and, following a red card being administered to Pretorius, the hosts scored against through the impressive Coles. Both tries were converted by Chalmers to take the score to 47-28 for the league leaders, whose day improved with the news that both their nearest rivals had lost.

Kelso were greeted with the news that Stew Mel had won to overtake them in the league. The interesting feature here being that Stew Mel are next to visit Poynder on Saturday.

Check out the latest news programme made by the young people at VOMO TV.

This week’s programme features a variety of topics, including an interview with South of Scotland MSP Jim Hume and local musicians.

Gala Fairydean Rovers travel to face Cumbernauld Colts in a Lowland league encounter on Saturday.

In their first season in the Lowland League scene, Cumbernauld have proved to be something of a force to be reckoned with and Gala manager Steven Noble is well aware that his troops have a tough assignment ahead of them in their trip to Glasgow.

“We played Cumbernauld at Gala and it was a close game with a fair result (2-2), he said.

“We got a good look at Cumbernauld and they got a good look at us, so both sides know what to expect from each other.

“I am expecting another close game on Saturday. We are wanting to improve our league position and need to start getting a run of wins together so hopefully we will get three points on Saturday.”

Rovers are without the suspended Dean McColm.

In the East of Scotland league, Hawick Royal Albert are at home to Burntisland Shipyard.

Hawick include new signing Daryl Johnson in their squad. Johnson previously played for Falkirk, Cowdenbeath, Dunfermline and Airdrie as well as having spells with Selkirk and Arniston Rangers.

Speaking of his sides current affairs, Hawick manager Dean Shanks said: “Daryl is a great signing for us, we have been after him for a while and have finally managed to fix him up.

“Hopefully the game will go ahead but only the weather will decide that. We have had good results in our last two games and are wanting to keep the momentum going.”

Peebles Rovers are away to Craigroyston.

Selkirk and Vale of Leithen’s home South of Scotland Challenge Cup meetings with Civil Service Strollers and Tynecastle were both postponed due to waterlogged grounds last week. The cup ties are now scheduled to take place on Saturday.

Galashiels Academy pupil Matt Dougall had a fantastic victory in at the Scottish Schools Road Race Championships in Falkirk.

Held in the shadow of the Kelpies there were record entry fields with many races having more than 200 runners from all over Scotland.

Gail force winds made conditions demanding and cold for the participants and, competing in the Under 16 boys race Dougall immediately went into the leading group who were forcing the pace on from the gun.

With 600m to go the 15-year-old Galashiels runner took the lead and continued to build the pace towards the finish with only two runners from the West able to go with him. A decisive kick with 200m to go saw Dougall run in a clear winner in a time of 6 minutes 44 seconds.

The win capped a fantastic year for the middle distance athlete who was selected to run for Scotland in April.

Solid performances from other Borders school pupils in the U16 boys race were Euan Hood in 38th and Josh Abbot in 44th.

Fellow Galashiels Academy pupil Thomas Otton had a strong run in the over 16 boys race finishing in 5th place.

Matt would like to thank the Rowan Boland Trust, Border Sport and Leisure and Antonio Caterino of Monte Casino Italian Restaurant, Melrose, who have all provided significant financial assistance that has allowed him to fully progress his running across the UK this season.

Abigail, the first UK storm to be named by the Met Office, was kind to competitors for the second Borders XC Series event held at Dunbar on Sunday.

She granted both junior and senior runners the chance to run their respective races along the beautiful East Lothian coastline free from rain and wind.

The junior race was not, for once, the preserve of Gala Harriers as, out of a field of 96 juniors, it was Max Hastings of Lauderdale Limpers who won the boys’ race in 14.15. The Galashiels club was never far behind however with Callum Tharme coming home in second in 15.02 with Chirnside Chaser Josh Abbott in third (15.08).

Emma Johnston of Edinburgh AC took the spoils in the girls’ race (16.32) with fellow capital runner Katie Johson in second. Moorfoot Runner Elena McGorum was third in a time of 17.49 which earned her first place in the 12-13 age category.

In light of the tragic events which had occurred in Paris less than 48 hours earlier, the committee held a minute’s silence, before the start of the seniors race, out of respect for those who had lost their lives and those who remain so gravely wounded – this was unreservedly supported by all, runners and supporters.

Over 200 took part in the senior races. Not so much running round the course as flying, was Corstorphine AAC’s Donald Macaulay who won the men’s race in 25.25, almost a minute in front of his nearest rival, Michael Reid of Carnethy. Young Kobe Stevens from Moorfoot Runners was third, and first in the junior male age class, in a time of 26.34.

First lady, in 28.46 was Rachel Haines of Hunters Bog Trotters. Corstorphine AC runner Kirstian MacRuary was second with Gala Harrier Kirstin Maxwell third in 30.22.

The Borders Cross-Country Series was started 25 years ago in order to give all runners, regardless of ability and/or age, the opportunity to take part in organised cross-country running. The premise behind the series is that all runners are able to experience the joy, excitement and benefits of running in a friendly, supportive and sociable environment whilst enjoying the magnificent scenery to be found in the Borders, East Lothian and North Northumberland. More information can be found at bordersxc.com.

The next leg is hosted by Moorfoot Runners in Peebles on November 29.

JED THISTLE47

TYNEDALE5

Jed Thistle played Tynedale in a Border Cup tie at Woodend on Saturday after being switched from a water logged Glebe.

Thistle started strongly scoring two tries in the first 10 minutes through Cammy Fisher and Craig Smith with Robbie Yourston converting both.

Tynedale then came back with their forwards testing the Thistle defence and their standoff always looking dangerous but it was the hosts who scored next with Jack Cowan notching try number three, again converted by Yourston, to make it 21-0 at Halftime.

Thistle opened the scoring in the second half through Gary Clarkson with Cowan getting his second before Lewis Turnbull follow up his clever chip to score at the posts, all three converted by Yourston. Callum Young completed the scoring.

Three teenagers have been arrested following a fire at a school in the Borders.

Officers responded to the incident at the Parkside Primary School in Jedburgh in the early hours of Sunday, November 8, where the roof of the building sustained significant damage.

Following a thorough investigation three males aged 14, 15 and 15 were detained and subsequently charged.

They will all now be reported to the Children’s Reporter.